Election Day is Saturday for open Keller City Council seat. Here are the key issues

Keller voters will head to the polls Saturday for a special City Council election where the candidates say serving senior citizens and economic development are key priorities.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Keller Town Hall , 1100 Bear Creek Parkway.

Three candidates are running for the Place 3 council seat after Jessica Juarez, who served since 2022, resigned May 31 as she accepted a position in the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office and can’t hold an elected office.

Here is a look at the three candidates:

Karen Brennan

Brennan, 61, a retired engineer, has lived in Keller for over 22 years, and her children graduated from Keller schools.

Brennan said she has “firsthand” experience with excellent schools, family-friendly housing developments and a low crime rate.

“My candidacy for City Council stems from a desire to preserve our town’s small-town charm & ensure it remains a place where families want to raise their children & build their lives,” she wrote, responding to written questions.

Brennan said also wants to support senior citizens and listen to their concerns.

“Based on meeting with folks from the senior community, I have developed a desire to represent them, in addition to our younger residents.”

Brennan said other priorities include supporting first responders, pedestrian safety with continued work on sidewalks and accessibility and “smart development.”

Brennan said high density is not “desireable” because of increased traffic congestion and the strain on schools.

Brennan also said when making decisions, she will rely on data and community feedback rather than personal feelings.

Frank Roszell

Roszell, 83, a commercial developer and real estate broker , said Keller needs to treat businesses and residents equally.

Roszell, whose business is in Keller, used drainage fees as an example. Residents are charged a flat fee every month no matter the size of their home, and business fees are based on the size of their parking lots, he said.

Roszell said more needs to be done to provide more programs and opportunities for senior citizens, including keeping the senior center open past 4 p.m. as many seniors still work and can’t take part in the activities later in the evening.

He described Keller as having a “family-friendly atmosphere,” but Keller needs to take a “holistic approach” when providing activities to include seniors who want an active lifestyle.

Roszell said he plays pickleball several times a week.

“There needs to be a perspective on the council to involve seniors,” he said.

Other priorities include maintaining streets and sidewalks, water conservation and water use .

Zane Kupper

Kupper, 37, moved to Keller almost two years ago from Long Beach, California. He is the lead media producer for Go Power Sports and decided to run for office after volunteering for the Keller Citizens Academy.

While he was participating in the academy, Kupper said he learned about the difficulties city departments faced when they were asked to cut budgets.

“It seemed like there was room on the council for someone saying I know we don’t like taxes, but we all like having services. It would be a shame if we lose services,” he said.

Kupper said he wants to see safe drinking water and safe playgrounds, and is concerned about maintaining a safe environment for residents.

Like Roszell, Kupper said he is concerned about how Keller is treating businesses.

His company was considering expanding in Keller, but put the plan on hold, Kupper said, adding that it is difficult to get permits and to make sure all of the requirements are met for zoning requests..

“We’re reaching build-out. We do need to be selective with what we’re doing, but I think it’s dangerous to cut city budgets and taxes when businesses are saying we’re having a hard time getting off the ground,” he said.

Kupper also said he supports keeping the senior center open later in the evenings.

Improving streets and sidewalks is also important, he said.

Kupper said he also wants Keller to address regulating short term rentals as he has gotten complaints about “party houses.”